Cotati police looking for patrol staff volunteers

Cotati police are looking for three volunteers who will assist patrol officers.

The city had six volunteers but Eric Janssen was hired by the Santa Clara Police Department and is now attending the police academy.

Cotati police hope to have three new volunteers by the end of the year.

Volunteers in Police Services help stranded motorists, direct traffic, enforce parking violations, help officers in the field and on neighborhood and graffiti patrols, make vacation house checks, do clerical work and other duties with patrol officers.

Volunteers have donated more than 1,978 hours to the city, or more than $46,000 in man hours based on an average rate of $23.29 per hour, Sgt. Chris Parker said.

Applicants must be over 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen and possess a valid California driver's license.

With dwindling resources, volunteers are becoming a vital part of police departments across the country, Parker said.